1976 Ford Cortina vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 805 kg more than 1976 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Cortina | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Cortina | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1919 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
